Composition for removing fingerprint deposits from nonabsorbent surfaces



Patented Aug. 8, 1 950 COMPOSITION FOR REMOVING FINGER- PRINT DEPOSITS FROM NONABSORBENT SURFACES Werner David, Chester, England, assignor to Shell Development Company, San Francisco, Calif., a corporation of Delaware No Drawing. Application November 5, 1947, Se-

rial N 0. 184,314. In the Netherlands November 10 Claims. .1

This invention relates to transparent rust inhibiting composition.- More particularly, this invention pertains to a uniphase transparent soluble oil corrosion-inhibiting composition adapted to prevent corrosion of non-absorbent surfaces due to manual handling, moisture, corrosive fluids, the atmosphere and the like.

A serious corrosion problem is generally encountered when non-absorbent surfaces such as metal surfaces are handled manually. This type of corrosion is usually identified as fingerprint corrosion, and is due to deposit of corrosive inorganic salts, organic greases, and acids from perspiration transferred. from the hands. The corrosive deposits thus transmitted to a surface are very active and difficult to remove. Rust and corrosion inhibiting composition such as slushing and flushing oils or other materials and composition capable of forming rust protective coating on metal surfaces are ineffective against fingerprint corrosion for they are incapable of removing and thereby inhibiting the corrosive action of fingerprint deposits on metal surfaces. Thus when a metal surface which has been manually handled and has fingerprint deposits thereon is coated with a rust inhibiting coating the rust inhibiting composition does not arrest or inhibit the corrosive action of the fingerprint deposits or other corrosive materials which might be adhering to the metal surface. It is therefore essential that prior to coating metal surface with corrosion and rust inhibiting compounds the surfaces must be free from fingerprint deposits and other corrosion materials. This is particularlyessential in process such as rustproofing, enameling, coating of metal surfaces and the like.

Although there are numerous compositions such as cleansing and degreasing compositions capable of removing corrosive deposits from metal surface thereare relatively few which are capable of efiectively inhibiting the corrosive action of fingerprint deposits and practically none which are capable of removing them from metal surfaces.

.This difficulty is primarily due to the fact that fingerprint deposits consist essentially of mixtures of oleophilic and hydrophilic substances which adhere tenaciously to and are highly reactive with metal surfaces or other non-absorbent surfaces. Compositions suitable for removing such deposits must therefore have an afiinity for both oleophilic and hydrophilic substances in order to be able to dissolve and remove such contaminant fingerprint deposits from metal surfaces. Composltionshaving affinity for oleophilic and hydrophilic substances are generally polyphase systems wherein the active phase is generally capable of exerting a solvent action upon either the oleophilic or hydrophilic contaminants, but not on both. The other phase ofthe system acts primarilyas a diluent or carrier for the active phase. In addition, polyphase systems of the type under discussion are highlyunstable and therefore unsuitable when in use for any period of time or when stored.

It is an object of this invention to provide novel compositions especially adapted to prevent ourrosion nd rusting of non-absorbent surfaces. Another object of this invention is to provide novel compositions adapted to remove corrosive contaminants from metalsurfaces. Still another object of this invention is to provide novel compositions adapted to remove oleophilic and hydrophilic corrosive contaminants from metal surfaces and form thereon a corrosion protective coating. Still another object of this invention is to provide novel compositions adapted to remove fingerprint deposits and atmospheric corrosive deposits from metal surfaces. Further object of this invention will become apparent as the de scription of the invention proceeds.

It has now been discovered that a stable uniphase system containing oleophilic and hydrophilic components having the ability of removing fingerprint deposits and. similar contaminants from metal surfaces or other non-absorbentsur faces may be prepared by mixing a clear or transparent soluble oil with critical amounts of a water-insoluble volatile organic degreasing agent and also critical proportions of water. The criticality in proportions of the respective agentsis necessary in order to obtain and maintain a stable uniphase composition capable of exerting a solvent action on both oleophilic and hydrophilic corrosive contaminants deposited on surfaces due to manual handling and the like. The minimum amount of. water which constitutes an. essential part of composition of this invention must not be below about 10% by weight, while the minimum amount of the organic volatile agent must not be below about 15% by weight in order to obtain uniphase composition of this invention suitable for use as fingerprint removersand other corrosive contaminants. Furthermore in order to obtain a stable uniphase composition of this invention the maximum amount of water which can be used must not exceed-about 37.5% by weight and the volatile water-insoluble organic compound must not exceed about 50.0% by weight of the total composition. Generally the propom tion of water ororganic solvent used in composition of this invention is governed by the ratio of soluble oil to water or the ratio of soluble oil to water-insoluble organic solvent used.

The water-insoluble, volatile organic compounds which constitute an important component of composition of this invention may be highly aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons and/or their mixtures. Examples which typify such compounds are: benzene, toluene, p-xylene, m-xylene, o-xylene, cumene, npropylbenzene, tert-butylbenzene, sec-butylbenzene, n-butylbenzene, aromatic hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum hydrocarbon stocks by selective solvent action for aromatic by extraction with phenol, liquid S02, furfural, cresol, nitro benzene, etc. and may be illustrated specifically by S02 kerosene extract, Edeleanu extract and other petroleum aromatic fractions. Edeleanu extracts are obtained by subjecting hydrocarbon fractions to a low temperature liquid sulfur dioxide treatment; separating the extract from the sulfur dioxide by allowing the sulfur dioxide 'to evaporate thereby yielding a product rich in aromatics. Aromatic compounds may also be obtained from cyclic stocks, light gas oil, coal tar products and the like.

Instead of aromatic compounds halogenated compounds can be used and may include: carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, ethylene dichloride, propylene dichloride, B-trichlorethane, trichlorethylene, butylchloride, hexyl chloride, octyl chloride, decyl chloride, dichlorethyl ether, dichlorisopropyl ether, dichlorethyl formal, triglycol dichloride, chlorinated hydrocarbons such as chlorinated kerosene, chlorinated gas oil, etc. Instead of the chlorides, the bromides and/or fluorides can be used as well as various mixtures of the above-mentioned halogenated compounds. Also mixtures of the above-mentioned halogenated compounds and aromatic hydrocarbons of this invention can be used.

Any clear or transparent soluble oil miscible with water and the volatile organic compounds of this invention, in the proportions as indicated previously and capable of forming a uniphase system may be used;

Clear soluble oils which may be used are blends consisting mainly of mineral oil or mixtures of mineral oil and fixed fatty oils and emulsifiers, which on dilution with water in any proportion give clear solutions. While other types of soluble oils may cause a mutual solution with water and organic degreasing agents, transparent soluble oils answering the above definition give markedly superior effects. Preferred clear soluble oils may be typified by the following examples:

Clear soluble oil I Per cent by weight Spindle oil 55.0 Sodium naphtha-sulfonates 30.0 Sulfated fish oil 5.0 Water 5.0

Diacetone alcohol 5.0

Clear soluble oil II Per cent by weight The proportion of the various constituents may be varied over wide limits provided such variation does not result in unstable or polyphase systems.

Typical fingerprint removing compositions of this invention may comprise:

Per cent by weight Broad Narrow Range Range one! soluble oil 45 to 70 60-60 Water 10 to 37.5 15-25 Aromatic and/or halogenated hydrocarbon 15 to 50 17-30 Per cent by weight Components Lower Upper Limit of Limit of Benzene Benzene 35 26. 9 19.1 14. 6 3. 2 2. 4 3. 2 2. 4 24. 5 l8. 7 Ben'lene l5. 0 35. 0

2. On the basis of a 3:1, 4.25:1 and 1.75:1 ratio by Weight of clear soluble oil I and benzene suitable compositions are obtained when the percentage of water was between about 10 and 35%, 10% to 20% and 15% to 25% respectively.

Per cent by weight Components Lower Upper Limit of Limit of Water Water Spindle oil 37. 2 26. 9 Sodium naphtha-Sultanate 20. 1 14.0 Sulfated fish oil. 3. 4 2. 4 Diacetone alcohol. 3. 4 '2. 4 Water 13. 4 37. 5 Benzene 22. 5 l6. 2

3. On the basis of a 4.25:1 ratio by weight'of clear soluble oil I and benzene the limits of water to give a suitable composition were between about 10 and 20% by weight.

to are a suitable ebpiposiuon is ap roximatel between about 1 5' and 25% by weight.

Per cent by weight compotlents Lower Upper i Limit of Limit of 1 Water Water Spindleioil. e l. 29. 7 26. Sodium naphtha sulfonat 16. 2 14. Sulfated fish oil-.. 2. 7 2; Diacetone alcohol- 2. 7 2. Benrene 31. 27. Water. 17. 7 27.

When halogenated hydrocarbons are used in place or aromatic hydrocarbons, larger quantities may be utilized, if desired. The quantity applied, however, is dependent on the halogenated compound and the soluble oil used. Thus when using a 3:1 ratio of clear soluble oil I and water, the following compositions are typical examples of suitable fluids of this invention.

Per cent Per cent Components by weight by weight 24. 25 20. 65 13. 5 ll. 25 fish oil........ 2. 25 1. 85 Diaeetone alcohol. 2. 25 l. 85 Water 17.25 14.45 Trichlorethylene 40. 0

Carbon tetrachloride 50. 0

Preferred finished blends this invention based on clear are as follows:

of compositions of soluble oil I and II Per cent by weight Components IA (clear IIB (clear soluble oil) soluble oil) Bennme 20 20 l 23 23 33 30 Sodium naphtha sulfonate-.- 18 12 Diacetone alcohol 3 3 Liquid rosin 8. 1 Sulfated fish oil 3 Caustic soda-.. 0. 9 Cresylic acid. 3

Toillustrate the efficiency of the blends according to the invention in the removal of fingerprint deposits the following table gives the results of corrosion experiments carried out on polished mild steel plates exposed over a saturated potassium sulfate solution:

Fingerprint removing compositions of this invention may be applied to the surface being treated by any suitable means such as spraying,

scopes-sewn a h-seen immersing, "dipping, swabbing and the like. They" have absolutely noharmful effect upon the an: face to which they are applied and in addition to being effective fingerprint removers, act as effective corrosion inhibitors.

When it isdesired to subject surfaces thus treated to further treatment such as rustproofing and the like, it is advisable that prior to such treatment, the fingerprint remover composition be removed by wiping, rinsing with water or using a well knowndegreasing agent or solvent such as benzene, toluene or the like.

Particularly efiectiverustproofing compositions for use after the fingerprint composition has been removed comprise a blend of a light petroleum hydrocarbon having a boiling point range of between about 50 C. and about 370 C. and a heavy hydrocarbon such as petrolatum, said blend containing minor amounts of blown or polymerized vegetable and/or fish oils, salt of sulfonic acid and suitable spreading agents. A typical examplef Per cent by weight Blown rape oil 17.5 Petrolatum 17.5' Sodium naphthasulfonates 5.0 Diacetone alcohol 4.0 White spirit 47.0 Rubber solvent 9.0

These rust inhibiting compositions may be ap plied to the surface to be protected by means of immersing, flooding, spraying, brushing, trowele ling and the like. The protective film formed on said surfaces adheres tenaciously enough to withstand handling, light polishing, movement and high temperatures for long periods of time.

I claim as my invention:

l. A clear soluble uniphase liquid composition adapted to remove fingerprint deposits from nonabsorbent surfaces having the following formula:

Percentage by weight Benzene 20.0 Water 23.0 Spindle oil 3 .0 Sodium naphtha sulfonate l 18.0 Diacetone alcohol 3.0 Sulfated fish oil 3.0

2. A clear soluble uniphase liquid composition 1 adapted to remove fingerprint deposits from nonabsorbent surfaces having the following formula:

Percentage by weight 'I'richlorethylene 40.0

Spindle oil 24.75 Sodium naphtha sulfonate 13.5 Sulfated fish oil 2.25 Diacetone alcohol 2.25 Water 17.25

3. A clear soluble uniphase liquid composition adapted to remove fingerprint deposits from nonabsorbent surfaces having the following formula:

Percentage by weight Carbon tetrachloride 50.0 Spindle oil 20.65 Sodium naphtha sulfonate 11.25 Sulfated fish oil 1.85 Diacetone alcohol 1.85 Water 14.40

4. A clear soluble uniphase liquid composition adapted to remove fingerprint deposits from nonabsorbent surfaces consisting essentially of from about 45% to about 70% by weight er a clear soluble oil blended with Water in an amount oi! sodium.naphthasulfonate-30, sulfated fish oil5,,

water5, diacetone alcohol5.

5. A clear soluble uniphase liquid composition adapted to remove fingerprint deposits from nonabsorbent surfaces consisting essentially of from about 45% to about 70% by weight at a clear soluble oil blended with water in an amount of from about to about 37.5% by weight and with trichloroethylene in an amount of from about to about 50% by weight of the total Weight of the composition said clear soluble oil consistingessentially of the following components in proportions by weight as follows: Spindle oil-55, sodium naphthasulfonate30, sulfated fish oil5, water-5, diacetone alcohol.--5.

6. A clear soluble uniphase liquid composition adapted to-remove fingerprint deposits from nonabsorbent surfaces consisting essentially of from about 45% to about 70% by weight Of a clear soluble oil blended with water in an amount of from about 10% to about 37.5% by weight and with carbon tetrachloride in an amount of from about 15% to about 50% by weight of the total weight of the composition said clear soluble oil' consisting essentially of the following components in proportions by weight as follows: Spindle oil-55, sodium naphthasulfonate30, sulfated fish oil5, water-5, diacetone alcohol-5.

7. A clear soluble uniphase liquid composition adapted to remove fingerprint deposits from nonabsorbent surf aces consisting essentially of from about 45% to 70% by weight of a clear soluble oil, benzene and water in which the approximate proportions of water used may vary from between about 10 to 35%, 10 to and 15 to by weight when the ratio of the clear soluble oil to benzene varies from 3:1, 4.25:1 and 1.75:1, respectively, said clear soluble oil consisting essentially of the following components in proportions by weight as follows: Spindle oil-55, sodium naphthasulfonate30, sulfated fish oil5, water5, diacetone alcoho1--5.

8. A clear soluble uniphase liquid composition adapted to remove fingerprint deposits from nonabsorbent surfaces consisting essentially of about 45% to 70% by Weight of a clear soluble oil, about 10% to about 37.5% by weight of water and about 15% to about 50% by weight of a substantially volatile, liquid, organic compound selected from the group consistingv of benzene, trichloroethylene and carbon tetrachloride, said clear soluble oil consisting essentially of the following components in proportions by weight as follows: Spindle oil55, sodium naphthasulfonate-30, sulfated fish oil5, water-5, diacetone alcohol-5.

9. A clear soluble uniphase liquid composition adapted to remove fingerprint deposits from nonabsorbent surfaces consisting essentially of about to 75% by weight of a clear soluble oil, about 10% to about 37.5% by weight of water and about 15% to about by weight of a substantially volatile liquid organic compound selected from the group consisting of benzene, trichloroethylene and carbon tetrachloride, said soluble oil consisting essentially of mineral oil as the predominant ingredient and essentially the remainder being made up of minor amounts of about 5% each of sulfated. fish oil, diacetone alcohol. and water and sodium naphthasulfonate in amount such that it is the predominant ingredient of said remainder, the proportions of the ingredients of said soluble oil being such as to yield a soluble oil which on dilution with water in any proportion gives a clear solution.

10. A clear soluble uniphase liquid composition adapted to remove fingerprint deposits from nonabsorbent surfaces consisting essentially of about 45% to by Weight of a clear soluble oil, about 10% to about 37.5% by weight of water and about 15% to about 50% by weight of a substantially volatile liquid organic compound selected from thegroupconsisting of benzene, trichloroethylene, and carbon tetrachloride, said soluble oilconsistingessentially of mineral oil as the predominant ingredient sodium naphthasulfonate as the predominant ingredient of the remaining portion and minor amounts each of diacetone alcohol and water the proportions being such as to yield a soluble oil which on dilution with water in any proportion gives a clear solution.

WERNER DAVID;

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the "le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,238,478 Ott Apr. 15, 1941 2,265,799 Carlson Dec. 9, 1941 2.3385221 Litherthson Jan. 4,1944 

8. A CLEAR SOLUBLE UNIPHASE LIQUID COMPOSITION ADAPTED TO REMOVE FINGERPRINT DEPOSITS FROM NONABSORBENT SURFACES CONSISTING ESENTIALLY OF ABOUT 45% TO 70% BY WEIGHT OF A CLEAR SOLUBLE OIL, ABOUT 10% TO ABOUT 37.5% BY WEIGHT OF WATER AND ABOUT 15% TO ABOUT 50% BY WEIGHT OF A SUBSTANTIALLY VOLATILE, LIQUID, ORGANIC COMPOUND SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF BENZENE, TRICHLOROETHYLENE AND CARBON TETRACHLORIDE, SAID CLEAR SOLUBLE OIL CONSISTING ESSENTIALLY OF THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS IN PORTIONS BY WEIGHT AS FOLLOWS: SPINDLE OIL-55, SODIUM NAPHTHASULFONATE-30, SULFATED FISH OIL-5, WATER-5, DIACETONE ALCOHOL-5. 